Mirror/Mirror Episodes

Understanding Hair Products

When searching for the ideal shampoo and conditioner, you've got to know how to break it down -- the label, that is!

The ability to identify key ingredients that work best for your hair type will help you avoid any pitfalls caused by proper usage of the wrong products says owner of The Upper Hand Salon, Rachel Gower.

The word "paraben" has become a buzz word lately. Parabens are highly effective preservatives that got a bad rap over the past few years. Some say that they absorb into the endocrine system and potentially cause cancer. However, there isn't enough research to declare that quite yet.

Another ingredient that's been the victim of harsh beauty gossip is alcohol, which many say to avoid, as it can be drying to the hair. This is only partially true. Some types of alcohol tend to evaporate quickly, which can lead to our worst enemy- frizz.

Avoid:

Ethanol

SD alcohol and SD alcohol 40

Alcohol denat

Propanol

Propyl alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol

Meanwhile, make sure your products utilize fatty alcohols, which are derived from natural sources. These types of alcohol give hair a smooth, soft feeling by aiding the cuticle to lie flat on the surface of the hair.

Look for:

Lauryl alcohol

Cetyl alcohol

Myristyl alcohol

Stearyl alcohol

Cetearyl alcohol

When you look at an ingredients list, bear in mind that the ingredients are listed by order of quantity used. The most prominent ingredients are going to be located at the top of the list. Also, you'll find that there is a lot of overlap with different products: they all tend to use the same ingredients, but in different quantities.

Dry, Frizzy Hair
For someone with unmanageable, wild hair, it's best to seek out products that are going to hydrate your hair. Keep an eye out for oils and vitamins that will impart essential moisture that will stick around long after you've stepped out of the shower.